Reform UK conference hit by scandals as Farage dismisses donation claims

Reform UK's conference was overshadowed by scandals after chief of staff Dan Jukes and policy director James Orr resigned over alleged illegal foreign donations, despite Nigel Farage dismissing the claims as "loose pub talk." Metropolitan Police are reviewing complaints from Labour and the Liberal Democrats following an undercover sting that appeared to capture aides accepting illicit funding. Farage insisted the party broke no laws during his Birmingham keynote speech. The controversy diverted attention from Farage's policy pledges, including declaring a state of emergency and forcing seven-day parliamentary weeks. Reform UK's poll support slipped to 23 per cent, with a separate Standards Commissioner investigation into an undeclared £5m donation adding further pressure.